Reconcile by Nicole Dykes
“Leaving so soon?”
I look at my phone again to check the time and see it’s already an hour past my regular time to leave. But today got away from me, and I had too many loose ends to tie up. I fight my desire to glare as I look at Spencer. “I believe my schedule says I stay until five.”
He scoffs, and I hate that I just had to leave my office at the same time my smug asshole of a boss walked out of his. Although, I doubt he’s heading home yet. Everyone around the office knows Spencer pretty much lives for this job. “Real estate knows no schedule.”
I hate his face. I mean it. Most women are probably infatuated by Spencer Ross’s devastatingly handsome, classic good looks, but not me.
First of all, I see his younger brother, even though Spencer’s hair is much darker and his eyes are lighter than Sawyer’s. But he’s got the same bone structure. The same high model-like cheekbones. The same perfect nose and full lips. It’s enough for me to despise him without him even talking.
Second of all, he’s an ass. Like a real asshole who doesn’t care about anyone and makes sure it’s the first thing that’s known about him.
“Yeah, well I do have a schedule.” I look at my phone again, feeling a sense of panic as I try to sidestep him, but his big body blocks my exit.
“This is why you’ll never get ahead, sweetheart.”
I cringe, and my hand circles tightly around my phone as I clench my jaw tightly. “I work at one of the best companies in the world, doesn’t that mean I’ve made it?”
Men like Spencer crave having their egos stroked, but I wince and nearly pull away when his finger moves to my chin and he lifts my gaze up to him. “Not for long if you’re not willing to put in the work.”
I try to stand tall with my back straight and portray that he doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but I need this job. “And this job has my full attention and effort put into it until five. Then, if you need anything, call my cell, and I’ll do what I can from home.”
He studies me, and I despise how vulnerable I feel with his eyes searching mine. But then, he shakes his head, releases me, and walks toward Cole’s office.
I let out a relieved breath and then hurry to my car. I make the drive home and burst through the front door, hating that I’m late. Angela walks to me with a smile on her face, but I can tell she’s worn out.
The older woman is nothing but kind to me though. “Well hello, Piper. How was your day?”
I place my purse on the hook next to the door and sigh, “It was fine, I’m so sorry I’m late.”
She waves me off with a warm smile. “It’s no trouble. Dinner is in the oven. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I nod my head and smile when I hear loud footsteps and then am ambushed by little arms wrapping around my waist. “Mommy!”
I kneel down and wrap my arms around my beautiful little girl. “Audrey! I’m so sorry Mommy is late. Did you have fun with Angela?”
She nods. “Yeah! She picked me up from school, and then we did crafts.”
I stand up to face the sweet woman who lives in the apartment next door. She offered to help with Audrey after school, and I reluctantly agreed. I don’t trust very many people with my daughter, but Audrey seemed to bond with the lonely older woman almost instantly.
Angela’s husband died several years ago, and she told me since they couldn’t have children of their own, she’s spent a lot of time watching children over the years to fill the void.
Her own words.
“Thank you. I appreciate it. And again, I’m so sorry I was late.” I know I can’t promise it won’t happen again. It happens a lot, and it twists my stomach every time. As amazing as Angela is, I don’t want anyone else raising my child.
She waves me off. “Oh stop, hun. It’s no big deal. We had fun, right?” She looks at Audrey, who nods her head exuberantly.
“So much fun.”
I laugh. My daughter is as light and carefree as I’ve always wanted to be. “Okay, good.”
Angela gives her a wink and a hug before leaving, and I grab dinner out of the oven before I sit down with Audrey and hear all about her day. Apparently, there was quite a bit of drama in first grade today.
I listen to her tell me about her friends and how she stayed out of the fight because she thought it was dumb. But the entire time, I’m staring into her dark brown eyes, hating and loving them at the same time.
Because her eyes are exactly like his.
